Compositions and methods for treatment of psoriasis

ABSTRACT

A method for treating psoriasis of the skin of a patient employs topically applying to the affected skin a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex. In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to such a method where the composition used therefor further comprises certain disclosed active agents, including active drug and active cosmetic substances. In a related aspect, further embodiments of the present invention are directed to compositions comprising at least one peptide copper complex and certain active drug and active cosmetic substances that render the compositions particularly effective in treating psoriasis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to the treatment of a dermatological condition and, more specifically, to the treatment of psoriasis, by topical application of a composition comprising a peptide copper complex.

2. Description of the Related Art

Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by raised red, scaly, and often pruritic plaques. These plaques can appear anywhere on the skin. Psoriasis is a very visible skin condition that has a high impact on the quality of life of the patient.

Three basic treatments are currently used for psoriasis: 1) applying a topical agent, 2) using phototherapy, and 3) applying systemic agents. Applying a topical agent is typically the first approach to treating psoriasis. Topical agents include corticosteroids, coal tar, anthralin, calcipotriene, and tazarotene. The treatment of choice for providing symptomatic relief entails the topical application of corticosteroids. All topical steroids have anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and vasoconstrictive effects. However, their long-term use is often accompanied by loss of effectiveness.

Topical coal tar contains more than 10,000 different chemical substances. The exact mechanism of action thereof is unknown. The most common coal tar treatment protocol (the Goeckermann method, which also uses UV phototherapy) involves almost a month of messy topical treatments at a day treatment center. Although this method has a high rate of success in clearing skin, it is relatively expensive and time-consuming. Anthralin is a synthetic derivative of a tree bark extract and is a cellular antiproliferative agent that decreases the rate of epidermal cell growth. Although anthralin is considered one of the most effective agents available for treating psoriasis, it is not in widespread use because of its high potential to cause irritation and staining of the skin.

Calcipotriene is a synthetic vitamin D-3 analog that regulates skin cell production. It is not in widespread use, however, because it is expensive and dosage is limited due to the risk of irritation and vitamin D toxicity. Tazarotene is a retinoid derivative that has been used to topically treat psoriasis. However, it often causes irritation and, thus, is typically used in conjunction with topical steroid treatments. For plaque psoriasis, retinoids are used in combination with ultraviolet phototherapy to minimize the dosage thereof that is required. The utility of such methods is limited by the side effects and precautions that are generally associated with retinoids, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Phototherapy is generally used only in the presence of extensive, widespread disease. Resistance to other topical treatments is another indication for phototherapy. There are two main forms of phototherapy, UVB and PUVA phototherapy. UVB, or Ultraviolet B, phototherapy uses light having a wavelength in the range of 290-320 nm. Such phototherapy is usually combined with one or more topical treatments including: topically applying coal tar, followed by using UVB (the aforementioned Goeckerman method); using a coal tar bath, followed by UVB, and then followed by topically applying anthralin (the Ingram method); or using UVB in combination with topically applying corticosteroids, calcipotriene, tazarotene, or simply bland emollients. A major drawback of such methods is the long duration thereof and accessibility to UVB equipment.

PUVA uses the photosensitizing drug methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralens) in conjunction with UVA light (wavelengths in the 320-400 nm range). PUVA interferes with DNA synthesis (methoxsalen binds covalently to pyrimidine bases in DNA), decreases cellular proliferation, and induces apoptosis of cutaneous lymphocytes leading to localized immunosuppression. Adverse effects associated with both of these treatments include nausea, pruritus, burning, photo damage to the skin and increased risk of skin cancer.

Systemic psoriasis treatment is usually initiated only after both topical treatment and phototherapy have failed, or for patients with very active psoriatic arthritis. The main agents available are the immunomodulators Methotrexate and Cyclosporine, and the oral retinoid Acitretin, and new biological agents. For example, recent new proposed treatments involve recombinant human cytokines, growth factors, or monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins thereof (Wons, V. K., Croce, C. D. and Lebwohl, M., Cosmetic Dermatology 15(11) 33-34 (2002)).

Methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist that inhibits DNA synthesis in tissues with high rates of turnover, such as psoriatic plaques, and is immunosuppressive to mononuclear cells in the skin, blood, and lymphatics. Methotrexate has toxic effects on hematologic, renal, GI, pulmonary, and neurologic systems. Cyclosporine inhibits production of interleukin-2, the cytokine responsible for inducing T-Cell proliferation. Psoriasis skin lesions can recur within days to weeks after this systemic treatment is stopped. Adverse effects include hypertension, impaired renal function, and an increased risk of cancer. Acitretin is a second generation oral retinoid. The use of oral retinoid therapy has shown limited efficacy for chronic stable plaque psoriasis.

Thus, while there are a number of treatments for psoriasis currently available, they all are accompanied by various side effects, high costs, and long complicated treatment protocols. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for more effective and otherwise improved methods for treating dermatological conditions related to psoriasis by, for example, topically applying compositions, having a desired degree of effectivity, to areas of skin of a patient in need thereof. The present invention fulfills this need and provides further related advantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In brief, the present invention is directed to treating dermatological conditions related to psoriasis by topically applying a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex to an area of affected skin. It has been surprisingly found that such compositions, when topically applied, can substantially diminish the signs and symptoms of psoriasis.

In one representative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for treating psoriasis of skin, by topically applying to an area of skin in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex. Unexpectedly, topical application of an effective amount of such a composition to areas of skin in need of such treatment, results in significant reduction of the psoriasis initially present on the area contacted.

In another representative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for such treatment where the at least one peptide copper complex is encapsulated in a liposome or microsponge adapted to aid in the delivery of the peptide copper complex to the areas of skin in need thereof, or to enhance the stability of the composition. In yet another representative embodiment, a method for such treatment is disclosed where the at least one peptide copper complex is formulated in an instrument adapted to deliver the peptide copper complex via iontophoresis or ultrasound to the areas of affected skin.

The present invention, in additional related embodiments, is directed to methods for treating psoriasis of the skin of a patient where the topically applied composition used therefor further comprises, in one of the embodiments, an inert and physiologically-acceptable carrier or diluent in addition to the at least one peptide copper complex; and further comprises, in another of the embodiments, a skin lightening agent, a sunscreen agent, a skin conditioning agent, a skin protectant, an emollient, a humectant, or a mixture thereof in addition to the at least one peptide copper complex. In yet further related embodiments, the present invention is directed to such methods where the compositions used therefor further comprise, in addition to the at least one peptide copper complex, an active drug substance or an active cosmetic substance.

In additional embodiments, disclosed methods of the present invention utilize a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex, where the composition, in one of the embodiments, further comprises an emulsifying agent, a surfactant, a thickening agent, an excipient, or a mixture thereof; and where the composition, in another of the embodiments, is in the form of a liquid, cream, gel, fluid cream, lotion, emulsion or microemulsion.

In a related aspect, the present invention is directed to a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex and an active drug substance selected from the group consisting of corticosteroids, coal tar, anthralin, calcipotriene, and tazarotene; and to a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex and an active cosmetic substance selected from the group consisting of allantoin, tocopherol, tocopherol derivatives, niacinamide, phytosterols, isoflavones, panthenol, panthenol derivatives, bisabolol, and farnesol.

These and other aspects of this invention will be evident upon reference to the following detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As noted above, in one embodiment, disclosed is a method for treating psoriasis of the skin of a patient by topically applying to an area of the skin in need thereof, an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex. As used herein the word “treat,” “treating” or “treatment” refers to using the compositions of the present invention either prophylactically to prevent outbreaks of psoriasis symptoms, or therapeutically to ameliorate an existing condition characterized by psoriasis. Also, as used herein, the word “patient” refers to a warm-blooded animal, including a human.

In more specific embodiments of the disclosed method of the present invention, the composition used therefor comprises at least one peptide copper complex that is L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) (“AHK-Cu”), L-valyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) (“VHK-Cu”), or glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) (“GHK-Cu”). As used herein, the expression “peptide copper complex” generally refers to a coordination compound comprising a peptide molecule and a copper(II) ion non-covalently complexed therewith. As is well understood in the art, copper (II) designates a copper ion having a valence of 2 (i.e., Cu⁺²). The peptide molecule serves as the complexing agent by donating electrons to the copper ion to yield the non-covalent complex. The peptide molecule is a chain of two or more amino acid units or amino acid derivative units covalently bonded together via amide linkages (for example, —CONH—), the formation of such linkages being accompanied by the elimination of water.

Generally, an amino acid consists of an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and an amino acid side-chain moiety—all bonded, in the case of an alpha-amino acid, to a single carbon atom that is referred to as an alpha-carbon. The amino acid units may be provided by amino acids other than alpha-amino acids. For example, the amino acids may be beta- or gamma-amino acids, such as those shown below.

where X is the amino acid side-chain moiety bonded, along with the amino group and hydrogen, to an alpha-, beta-, or gamma-carbon atom.

As another example, the amino acids include, but are not limited to, naturally occurring alpha-amino acids. Naturally occurring amino acids are those from which the amino acid units of naturally occurring proteins are derived. Some of these amino acids, along with their respective amino acid side chain moieties, are shown below in Table 1. The naturally occurring amino acids shown are all in the L configuration, referring to the optical orientation of the alpha carbon or other carbon atom bearing the amino acid side chain. A peptide molecule of the present invention may also comprise amino acids that are in the D optical configuration, or a mixture of D and L amino acids. TABLE 1 Naturally Occurring Amino Acid Side-Chain Moieties Amino Acid Side Chain Moiety Amino Acid —H Glycine —CH₃ Alanine —CH(CH₃)₂ Valine —CH₂CH(CH₃)₂ Leucine —CH(CH₃)CH₂CH₃ Isoleucine —(CH₂)₄NH₃ ⁺ Lysine —(CH₂)₃NHC(NH₂)NH₂ ⁺ Arginine

Histidine —CH₂COO— Aspartic Acid —CH₂CH₂COO— Glutamic Acid —CH₂CONH₂ Asparagine —CH₂CH₂CONH₂ Glutamine

Phenylalanine

Tyrosine

Tryptophan —CH₂SH Cysteine —CH₂CH₂SCH₃ Methionine —CH₂OH Serine —CH(OH)CH₃ Threonine

Proline Other naturally occurring amino acids include hydroxyproline and gamma-carboxyglutamate.

Representative amino acid derivatives include those set forth in Table 2 below. TABLE 2 Amino Acid Derivatives

Where X₂ = H or the following moieties: —(CH₂)_(n)CH₃ where n = 1-20 —(CH₂)_(n)CH(CH₃)(CH₂)_(m)CH₃ where n, m = 0-20 (when n = 0, m ≠ 0 or 1 and when n = 1, m ≠ 0) —(CH₂)_(n)NH₂ where n = 1-20 (n ≠ 4) —(CH₂)_(n)CONH₂ where n = 3-20 —(CH₂)_(n)COOH where n = 3 -20

—(CH₂)_(n)SH where n = 2-20 —(CH₂)_(n)S(CH₂)_(m)CH₃ where n, m = 1-20 (when n = 2, m ≠ 0) —(CH₂)_(n)CH₂OH where n = 1-20 —(CH₂)_(n)CH(CH₃)OH where n = 1-20 And where X₁ = H or the following moieties: —(CH₂)_(n)CH₃ where n = 0-20 —(CH₂)_(n)CH(CH₃)(CH₂)_(m)CH₃ where n, m = 0-20

Histidine derivatives include compounds having the structure:

where n=1-20, and Y₁ and Y₂ are independently selected from alkyl moieties containing from 1-12 carbon atoms or an aryl moiety containing from 6-12 carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, n is 1, Y₂ is methyl, and Y₁ is H (i.e., 3-methyl histidyl) or Y₂ is H and Y, is methyl (i.e., 5-methyl histidine).

As used herein, “alkyl” means a straight chain or branched, cyclic or noncyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms. Representative saturated straight chain alkyls include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl and the like, while saturated branched alkyls include isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, and the like. Representative saturated cyclic alkyls include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, —CH₂cyclohexyl, and the like; while unsaturated cyclic alkyls include cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, and the like. Unsaturated alkyls contain at least one double or triple bond between adjacent carbon atoms (referred to as an “alkenyl” or “alkynyl, ” respectively). Representative alkenyls include ethylenyl, 1-butenyl, isobutylenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, and the like; while representative alkynyls include acetylenyl, 2-butynyl, 3-methyl-1-butynyl, and the like.

Also, as used herein, “aryl” means an aromatic carbocyclic moiety such as phenyl or naphthyl, and may be substituted or unsubstituted. “Arylalkyl,” as used herein, means an alkyl having at least one alkyl hydrogen atom replaced with a substituted or unsubstituted aryl moiety, such as benzyl (i.e., —CH₂phenyl, —(CH₂)₂phenyl, —(CH₂)₃phenyl, —CH(phenyl)₂, and the like).

Similarly, arginine derivatives include compounds having the structure:

where n=1-20 (excluding n=3).

A peptide copper complex of the present invention may have the formula [R₁—R₂—R₃]:copper(II) where R₃ is at least one amino acid or amino acid derivative, as defined above, bonded to R₂ by a peptide bond (i.e., —C(═O)NH—). Where R₃ is a single amino acid or amino acid derivative, then the peptide of the peptide copper complex is generally classified as a tripeptide. As another example of a peptide copper complex of the present invention having the formula [R₁—R₂—R₃]:copper(II), R₃ is a chemical moiety bonded to the R₂ moiety by an amide bond. The expression “chemical moiety,” as used herein and with reference to R₃, includes any chemical moiety having an amino group capable of forming an amide bond with the carboxyl terminus of R₂ (i.e., the carboxyl terminus of histidine, arginine, or derivatives thereof).

As a more particular example, where R₃ is a chemical moiety bonded to the R₂ moiety by an amide bond, R₃ is —NH₂, an alkylamino moiety having from 1-20 carbon atoms, or an arylamino moiety having from 6-20 carbon atoms. As used herein, an “alkylamino moiety” encompasses alkyl moieties containing an amino moiety, wherein the alkyl moiety is as defined above, and includes, but is not limited to, octyl amine and propyl amine. Similarly, an “arylamino moiety” encompasses aryl moieties containing an amino moiety, wherein the aryl moiety is as defined above, and includes, but is not limited to, benzylamine and benzyl-(CH₂)₁₋₁₄-amine. Further examples of suitable chemical moieties having amino groups capable of forming an amide linkage with the carboxyl terminus of R₂ include polyamines such as spermine and sperimidine.

It should be understood that R₃ may include more than one chemical moiety. For example, additional amino acids or amino acid derivatives may be bonded to the above-described peptide copper complexes comprising tripeptides to yield peptide copper complexes comprising peptides having four or more amino acids and/or amino acid derivatives. For purposes of illustration, Table 3, shown below, presents various representative examples of peptide copper complexes used for or comprised in embodiments of the present invention. TABLE 3 Representative Peptide-Copper Complexes Examples of [R₁—R₂]:copper(II) glycyl-histidine:copper alanyl-histidine:copper glycyl-(3-methyl)histidine:copper alanyl-(3-methyl)histidine:copper glycyl-(5-methyl)histidine:copper alanyl-(5-methyl)histidine:copper glycyl-arginine:copper alanyl-arginine:copper (N-methyl)glycine-histidine:copper (N-methyl)glycine-arginine:copper Examples of [R₁—R₂—R₃]:copper(II) where R₃ is a Chemical Moiety Linked by Amide Bond glycyl-histidyl-NH₂:copper glycyl-arginyl-NH₂:copper glycyl-(3-methyl)histidyl-NH₂:copper alanyl-(3-methyl)histidyl-NH₂:copper glycyl-arginyl-NH₂:copper alanyl-arginyl-NH₂:copper (N-methyl)glycine-histidyl-NH₂:copper (N-methyl)glycine-arginyl-NH₂:copper glycyl-histidyl-NHoctyl:copper glycyl-arginyl-NHoctyl:copper Examples of [R₁—R₂—R₃]:copper(II) where R₃ is an Amino Acid or Amino Acid Derivative Linked by Peptide Bond glycyl-histidyl-lysine:copper glycyl-arginyl-lysine:copper glycyl-(3-methyl)histidyl-lysine:copper glycyl-(5-methyl)histidyl-lysine:copper alanyl-histidyl-lysine:copper alanyl-arginyl-lysine:copper alanyl-(3-methyl)histidyl-lysine:copper alanyl-(5-methyl)histidyl-lysine:copper glycyl-histidyl-phenylalanine:copper glycyl-arginyl-phenylalanine:copper glycyl-(3-methyl)histidyl- glycyl-(5-methyl)histidyl- phenylalanine:copper phenylalanine:copper alanyl-histidyl-phenylalanine:copper alanyl-arginyl-phenylalanine:copper alanyl-(3-methyl)histidyl- alanyl-(5-methyl)histidyl- phenylalanine:copper phenylalanine:copper glycyl-histidyl-lysyl-phenylalanyl- glycyl-arginyl-lysyl-phenylalanyl- phenylalanyl:copper phenylalanyl:copper glycyl-(3-methyl)histidyl-lysyl- glycyl-(5-methyl)histidyl-lysyl- phenylalanyl-phenylalanyl:copper phenylalanyl-phenylalanyl:copper (N-methyl)glycyl-histidyl-lysine:copper (N-methyl)glycyl-arginyl-lysine:copper valyl-histidyl-lysine:copper glycyl-histidyl-lysyl-prolyl-phenylalanyl- prolyl-histidyl-lysine:copper proline:copper glycyl-D-histidyl-L-lysine:copper Leucyl-histidyl-lysine:copper seryl-histidyl-lysine:copper

Further examples of peptide copper complexes encompassed in embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,665,054; 4,760,051; 4,767,753; 4,810,693; 4,877,770; 5,023,237; 5,059,588; 5,118,665; 5,120,831; 5,164,367; 5,177,061; 5,214,032; 5,538,945; 5,550,183; and 6,017,888, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Examples of the peptide copper complex derivatives, encompassed in embodiments of the present invention, include, but are not limited to, those disclosed and described in the above-cited U.S. Patents that are directed to peptide copper complexes, as well as those disclosed and described in the published PCT application having the international publication number WO 94/03482, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Copper is known to have many beneficial biological applications, including wound healing, treating inflammatory conditions, and effecting cosmetic improvements by, for example, stimulating a variety of processes related to skin, such as collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan production (see, e.g., Maquart, F. X., Pickart, L., Laurent, M., Gillery, P., Monboisse, J. C., Borel, J. P., “Stimulation of Collagen Synthesis in Fibroblast Cultures by the Tripeptide-Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(2+),” FEBS Lett. 238(2): 343-346, 1988; Wegrowski, Y., Maquart, F. X. and Borel, J. P., “Stimulation of Sulfated Glycosaminoglycan Synthesis by the Tripeptide-Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(2+),” Life Sciences 51: 1049-1056, 1992; Maguart, F. X., Bellon, G., Chaqour, B., Wegrowski, J., Patt L. M., Trachy, R. E., Monboisse, J. C., Chastang, F., Birembaut, P., Gillery, P. and Borel, J. P., “In Vivo Stimulation of Connective Tissue Accumulation by the Tripeptide-Copper Complex Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper(2+) in Rat Experimental Wounds,” J. Clin. Invest. 92: 2368-2376, 1993). The above-cited references are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Copper salts alone are ineffective, or even inhibitory, for such applications. The copper must be delivered in a biologically acceptable form. As an example, when copper is complexed with a biologically acceptable carrier molecule, such as a peptide, it may then be effectively delivered to cells to provide beneficial biological applications such as those mentioned above. As more specific examples, peptide copper complexes that are useful for wound healing and skin health are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,760,051; 4,665,054; 4,877,770; 5,135,913; and 5,348,943, as well as in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/327,371.

The synthesis of the above-disclosed peptide copper complexes is described in detail in the above-referenced patents. For example, the peptides of the peptide copper complexes disclosed herein may be synthesized by either solution or solid phase techniques known to one skilled in the art of peptide synthesis. The general procedure involves the stepwise addition of protected amino acids to build up the desired peptide sequence. The resulting peptide may then be complexed to copper (at the desired molar ratio of peptide to copper) by dissolving the peptide in water, followed by the addition of copper chloride or other suitable copper salt and adjusting the pH to greater than 4.0.

Aqueous solutions of peptide copper complexes are prepared by methods that are well known to one skilled in the art. For example, an amount of dried peptide copper complex, suitable for a desired concentration, is readily dissolved in water with mixing and gentle heating. An alternative method is to prepare a solution of the desired peptide, followed by the addition of a copper salt in the desired molar ratio to yield the desired solution of the peptide copper complex. Examples of copper salts that may be used are cupric chloride and cupric acetate. When aqueous solutions of peptide copper complexes are prepared, the solutions are neutralized, typically with NaOH.

In yet another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the peptide portion of the at least one peptide copper complex used therefor may also be of natural origin. In this embodiment, the peptide is formed by the hydrolysis of naturally occurring proteins, polypeptides, or larger peptides of either plant, microbial, or animal origin. Hydrolysis may be by enzymatic treatment or by acid or base hydrolysis. The copper complex of this type of peptide copper complex is formed by addition of a suitable copper salt to the aqueous solution of the peptide. Alternatively, the peptide copper complex may be formed during the manufacturing of a formulation by separate additions of the peptide and copper salt in a suitable solvent.

In more particular embodiments of the disclosed methods of the present invention, the composition used therefor comprises at least one peptide copper complex where the concentration of the latter, by weight of the composition, ranges from about 0.01% to about 5%; from about 0.025% to about 1%; or from about 0.05% to about 0.5%. In further, more particular embodiments, the molar ratio of peptide to copper in the peptide copper complex ranges from about 1:1 to about 3:1 in one such embodiment, and from about 1:1 to about 2:1 in another such embodiment.

In additional embodiments of the method disclosed herein, the composition used therefor comprises at least one peptide copper complex that, in one embodiment, is encapsulated in a liposome or microsponge adapted to aid in the delivery of the peptide copper complex to the area of the skin being treated; and, in another embodiment, is formulated in an instrument adapted to deliver the peptide copper complex to the area of the skin via iontophoresis.

In view of the previously noted beneficial health and cosmetic applications of compositions comprising peptide copper complexes, the compositions used for the methods of the present invention, in certain embodiments, are formulated for use as pharmaceutical or cosmetic products. Accordingly, the method of the present invention, in another embodiment, uses a composition as disclosed above, but further comprising an inert and physiologically-acceptable carrier or diluent, where, in a related, more specific embodiment, the carrier or diluent is water, physiological saline, bacteriostatic saline, a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable gel or cream, a short chain alcoholic solution, or a short chain glycol.

Further, the compositions used for the inventive method disclosed herein comprise, in addition to at least one peptide copper complex, an active agent. The expression “active agent,” as used herein, refers to a compound or substance that provides benefits to the skin and/or provides desirable properties to a composition formulated as a cosmetic preparation. Active agents include, as examples, active drug substances, active cosmetic substances, sunscreen agents, skin lightening agents, tanning agents skin conditioning agents, skin protectants, emollients and humectants. In one embodiment, the active agent is an active drug substance that, in a particular related embodiment, is a corticosteroid, coal tar, anthralin, calcipotriene, and tarzarotene. The expression, “active drug substance,” as used herein, refers to a chemical or biological moiety which has been shown to alter either the composition or function of the body.

In yet another embodiment, the active agent is an active cosmetic substance. The expression, “active cosmetic substance,” as used herein, refers to compounds, mixtures, or extracts that have various positive effects on the skin of a patient. In related, more particular embodiments, the active cosmetic substance is, in one such embodiment, retinol, retinoic acid, or a derivative thereof; and, in another such embodiment, the active cosmetic substance is allantoin, tocopherol, tocopherol derivatives, niacinamide, phytosterols, isoflavones, panthenol, panthenol derivatives, bisabolol and farnesol.

In a further related and more particular embodiment, the active cosmetic substance is a phytochemical compound. As is well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, a phytochemical compound may either be in a purified form or as present in extracts derived from various plants. Examples of phytochemical cosmetically-active substances include, but are not limited to, any of the anti-oxidant pigments that are naturally present in, and impart color to, fruits and vegetables, as well present in the roots, bark, leaves, flowers and seeds of plants. Polyphenols and carotenoids are examples of phytochemical compounds. Flavanoids, flavonoids and their derivatives, flavolignans and polyphenolic rhizomes, represent some of the more significant polyphenols, with regard to having potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Examples of plant extracts that provide such active cosmetic substances are extracts of the genus Camellia, including Camellia sinensis (i.e., green tea) and Camellia assaimic, licorice, sea whip, aloe vera, chamomile, and the like.

In a further specific embodiment of the disclosed method that uses a composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex and an active agent, the latter is a skin lightening agent, a sunscreen agent, a skin conditioning agent, a skin protectant, an emollient, a humectant, or a mixture thereof. Suitable sunscreen agents absorb, reflect, or scatter radiation in the UV range at wavelengths ranging from 290 to 400 nanometers. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, benzophenone-3(oxybenzone), benzophenone4(sulisobenzone), benzophenone-8(dioxybenzone), butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), DEA-methoxycinnamate(diethanolamine methoxycinnamate), ethyl dihydroxypropyl PABA (ethyl 4-[bis(hydroxypropyl)]aminobenzoate), ethylhexyl dimethyl PABA (Padimate O), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate(octyl methoxycinnamate), ethylhexyl salicylate(octyl salicylate), homosalate, menthyl anthranilate (Meradimate), octocrylene, PABA (aminobenzoic acid), phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid (Ensulizole), TEA-salicylate(trolamine salicylate), titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other sunscreen agents may be included in the compositions used for the methods of the present invention.

Suitable skin lightening agents include, but are not limited to, ascorbic acid and derivatives thereof; kojic acid and derivatives thereof; hydroquinone; azelaic acid; and various plant extracts, such as those from licorice, grape seed, and bear berry. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other skin lightening agents may be included in the compositions used for some of the methods of the present invention.

As noted for the above-disclosed specific embodiment of the method of the present invention, the composition used therefor may comprise a skin conditioning agent. Such an agent typically comprises a substance that enhances the appearance of dry or damaged skin, as well as a material that adheres to the skin to reduce flaking, restore suppleness, and generally improve the appearance of skin. Representative examples of a skin conditioning agent that may be used include: acetyl cysteine, N-acetyl dihydrosphingosine, acrylates/behenyl acrylate/dimethicone acrylate copolymer, adenosine, adenosine cyclic phosphate, adenosine phosphate, adenosine triphosphate, alanine, albumen, algae extract, allantoin and derivatives, aloe barbadensis extracts, amyloglucosidase, arbutin, arginine, bromelain, buttermilk powder, butylene glycol, calcium gluconate, carbocysteine, carnosine, beta-carotene, casein, catalase, cephalins, ceramides, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, cholecalciferol, cholesteryl esters, coco-betaine, corn starch modified, crystallins, cycloethoxymethicone, cysteine DNA, cytochrome C, darutoside, dextran sulfate, dimethicone copolyols, dimethylsilanol hyaluronate, elastin, elastin amino acids, ergocalciferol, ergosterol, fibronectin, folic acid, gelatin, gliadin, beta-glucan, glucose, glycine, glycogen, glycolipids, glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, glycosphingolipids, horseradish peroxidase, hydrogenated proteins, hydrolyzed proteins, jojoba oil, keratin, keratin amino acids, and kinetin.

Other non-limiting examples of a skin conditioning agent that may be included in the compositions used for the present invention are: lactoferrin, lanosterol, lecithin, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lipase, lysine, lysozyme, malt extract, maltodextrin, melanin, methionine, niacin, niacinamide, oat amino acids, oryzanol, palmitoyl hydrolyzed proteins, pancreatin, papain, polyethylene glycol, pepsin, phospholipids, phytosterols, placental enzymes, placental lipids, pyridoxal 5-phosphate, quercetin, resorcinol acetate, riboflavin, saccharomyces lysate extract, silk amino acids, sphingolipids, stearamidopropyl betaine, stearyl palmitate, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryl linoleate, ubiquinone, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, wheat amino acids, xanthan gum, and zinc gluconate. A skin conditioning agent, other than those listed above, may also be used, as is readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Also, as noted above, the composition used for a disclosed method may include a skin protectant, defined herein as a compound that protects injured or exposed skin or mucous membrane surfaces from harmful or irritating external compounds. Representative examples thereof include: algae extract, allantoin, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum sulfate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, cerebrosides, dimethicone, glucuronolactone, glycerin, kaolin, lanolin, malt extract, mineral oil, petrolatum, potassium gluconate, and talc. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a skin protectant, other than those listed above, may be included in the compositions used.

An emollient, as the term is used herein, is a cosmetic ingredient that can help skin maintain a soft, smooth, and pliable appearance. Emollients are able to provide these benefits, largely owing to their ability to remain on the skin surface, or in the stratum corneum, to act as a lubricant and reduce flaking. Some examples of an emollient, suitable for use in the above-disclosed, specific embodiment of this invention, are: acetyl arginine, acetylated lanolin, algae extract, apricot kernel oil polyethylene glycol-6 esters, avocado oil polyethylene glycol-11 esters, bis-polyethylene glycol-4 dimethicone, butoxyethyl stearate, C₁₈-C₃₆ acid glycol ester, C₁₂-C₁₃ alkyl lactate, caprylyl glycol, cetyl esters, cetyl laurate, coconut oil polyethylene glycol-10 esters, di-C₁₂-C₁₃ alkyl tartrate, diethyl sebacate, dihydrocholesteryl butyrate, dimethiconol, dimyristyl tartrate, disteareth-5 lauroyl glutamate, ethyl avocadate, ethylhexyl myristate, glyceryl isostearates, glyceryl oleate, hexyldecyl stearate, hexyl isostearate, hydrogenated palm glycerides, hydrogenated soy glycerides, hydrogenated tallow glycerides, isostearyl neopentanoate, isostearyl palmitate, isotridecyl isononanoate, laureth-2 acetate, lauryl polyglyceryl-6 cetearyl glycol ether, methyl gluceth-20 benzoate, mineral oil, myreth-3 palmitate, octyidecanol, octyldodecanol, odontella aurita oil, 2-oleamido-1,3 octadecanediol, palm glycerides, polyethylene glycol avocado glycerides, polyethylene glycol castor oil, polyethylene glycol-22/dodecyl glycol copolymer, polyethylene glycol shea butter glycerides, phytol, raffinose, stearyl citrate, sunflower seed oil glycerides, and tocopheryl glucoside. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that emollients, other than those listed above, may also be used.

Humectants are cosmetic ingredients that help maintain moisture levels in skin. Some examples of suitable humectants are: acetyl arginine, algae extract, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, 2,3-butanediol, chitosan lauroyl glycinate, diglycereth-7 malate, diglycerin, diglycol guanidine succinate, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, honey, hydrolyzed wheat protein/polyethylene glycol-20 acetate copolymer, hydroxypropyltrimonium hyaluronate, inositol, lactitol, maltitol, maltose, mannitol, mannose, methoxy polyethylene glycol, myristamidobutyl guanidine acetate, polyglyceryl sorbitol, potassium PCA, propylene glycol, sodium PCA, sorbitol, sucrose, and urea. Other humectants may be used for yet additional embodiments of this invention, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

In a further specific embodiment of the method of the present invention, the composition used therefor comprises a fatty alcohol, a fatty acid, an organic base, an inorganic base, a preserving agent, a wax ester, a steroid alcohol, a triglyceride ester, a phospholipid, a polyhydric alcohol ester, a fatty alcohol ether, a hydrophilic lanolin derivative, a hydrophilic beeswax derivative, a cocoa butter wax, a silicon oil, a pH balancer, a cellulose derivative, a hydrocarbon oil, or a mixture thereof. Non-limiting examples of a suitable phospholipid include lecithin and cephalin. Suitable hydrocarbon oils include, but are not limited to, palm oil, coconut oil, and mineral oil.

Additional ingredients may be included in the above compositions to vary the texture, viscosity, color and/or appearance thereof, as is appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, in a further embodiment, the present invention is directed to a disclosed method that utilizes a composition where the latter comprises, in addition to at least one peptide copper complex, an emulsifying agent, a surfactant, a thickening agents, and surfactants.

As a specific example, an emulsifier and a surfactant may be included in a composition used for the present invention that is formulated as an emulsion. Either a water in oil or oil in water emulsion may be formulated. Examples of suitable surfactants and emulsifying agents include: nonionic ethoxylated and nonethoxylated surfactants, abietic acid, almond oil polyethylene glycol, beeswax, butylglucoside caprate, C₁₈-C₃₆ acid glycol ester, C₉-C₁₅ alkyl phosphate, caprylic/capric triglyceride polyethylene glycol-4 esters, ceteareth-7, cetyl alcohol, cetyl phosphate, corn oil polyethylene glycol esters, dextrin laurate, dilaureth-7 citrate, dimyristyl phosphate, glycereth-17 cocoate, glyceryl erucate, glyceryl laurate, hydrogenated castor oil polyethylene glycol esters, isosteareth-11 carboxylic acid, lecithin, lysolecithin, nonoxynol-9, octyldodeceth-20, palm glyceride, polyethylene glycol diisostearate, polyethylene glycol stearamine, poloxamines, potassium linoleate, raffinose myristate, sodium caproyl lactylate, sodium caprylate, sodium cocoate, sodium isostearate, sodium tocopheryl phosphate, steareths, and trideceths. Other surfactants and emulsifiers may be used, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Examples of a thickening (i.e., viscosity increasing) agent that is suitable for inclusion in the composition used for the above-disclosed embodiment, include, but are not limited to, those agents commonly used in skin care preparations. More specifically, such examples include acrylamides copolymer, agarose, amylopectin, bentonite, calcium alginate, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, carbomer, carboxymethyl chitin, cellulose gum, dextrin, gelatin, hydrogenated tallow, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxpropyl starch, magnesium alginate, methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, various polyethylene glycol's, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, various polypropylene glycols, sodium acrylates copolymer, sodium carrageenan, xanthan gum, and yeast beta-glucan. Thickening agents other than those listed above may also be used in related embodiments of the present invention.

As heretofore noted, the compositions used for the methods of the present invention are applied topically to human skin. Accordingly, such a composition is formulated, in a further embodiment, as a liquid, cream, gel, oil, fluid cream or milk, lotion, emulsion, or microemulsion. In a related embodiment, the composition further comprises an excipient adapted for application to the face and neck. Such an excipient should have a high affinity for the skin, be well tolerated, stable, and yield a consistency that allows for easy and pleasant utilization.

Typically, for a method of the present invention, a small amount of the composition (from about 0.1 ml to about 5 ml) used therefor is applied to exposed areas of affected skin from a suitable container or applicator, and, if necessary, the composition is then spread over and/or rubbed into the skin using the hand, finger, or other suitable device. Each composition disclosed herein is typically packaged in a container that is appropriate in view of its viscosity and intended use by the patient. For example, a lotion or fluid cream may be packaged in a bottle, roll-ball applicator, capsule, propellant-driven aerosol device, or a container fitted with a manually operated pump. A cream may simply be stored in a non-deformable bottle, or in a squeeze container, such as a tube or a lidded jar.

In a related aspect, the present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions having utility for treating psoriasis when topically applied to affected areas of the skin of a patient. In one embodiment, the composition comprises at least one peptide copper complex and an active drug substance selected from the group consisting of corticosteroids, coal tar, anthralin, calcipotriene, and tazarotene. In another embodiment, the composition comprises at least one peptide copper complex and an active cosmetic substance selected from the group consisting of allantoin, tocopherol, tocopherol derivatives, niacinamide, phytosterols, isoflavones, panthenol, panthenol derivatives, bisabolol and farnesol.

The following examples are provided for the purpose of illustration, not limitation.

EXAMPLES

The examples which follow illustrate the preparation, characterization and utility of certain compositions used for exemplary embodiments of the methods of the present invention; and illustrate the effectiveness of such methods in treating psoriasis of the skin of a patient.

Example 1

The composition of a representative moisturizing lotion used for a method of the present invention is shown below. Ingredients % w/w Water 73.80%  glycerin 1.00% xanthan gum 0.50% diisopropyl adipate 4.00% isocetyl stearate 6.00% octyl palmitate 10.00%  glyceryl stearate 1.00% cetyl alcohol 1.00% stearyl alcohol 0.80% behenyl alcohol 0.50% palmitic acid 0.25% stearic acid 0.25% glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) 0.30% propylene glycol 0.55% diazolidinyl urea 0.03% iodopropynyl butylcarbonate 0.02% Total 100.00% 

Example 2

The composition of a representative moisturizing cream used for a method of the present invention is shown below. Ingredients % w/w water 77.35%  ethylhexyl palmitate 8.00% octyldodecanol 2.50% butyloctyl calicylate 2.00% squalane 1.50% jojoba oil 0.50% tocopheryl acetate 0.20% bisabolol 0.20% polyacrylamide 1.50% laureth-7 0.50% glycerin 3.00% panthenol 0.60% allantion 0.10% cyclomethicone 0.50% carbomer 0.10% polysorbate 20 0.20% L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) 0.25% propylene glycol 0.56% diazolidinyl urea 0.30% methylparaben 0.11% propylparaben 0.03% Total 100.00% 

Example 3

The composition of a representative moisturizing body lotion used for a method of the present invention is shown below. Ingredients % w/w water 74.40%  hydrogenated vegetable oil 6.00% canola oil 4.00% polyoxyethylene stearyl stearate 4.00% steareth-21 2.00% octyldodecanol 6.00% sorbeth-30 2.50% glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) 0.10% propylene glycol 0.56% diazolidinyl urea 0.30% methylparaben 0.11% propylparaben 0.03% Total 100.00% 

Example 4

The composition of a representative water-in-oil emulsion used for a method of the present invention is shown below. Ingredients % w/w water 71.84%  quarternium 82 2.00% polyquarternium-37 1.10% mineral oil 0.50% PPG-1-trideceth-6 0.40% ethylhexyl isononanoate 20.00%  cetyl dimethicone copolyol 1.00% L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) 0.10% kojic Acid  2.0% propylene glycol 0.56% imidazolidinyl urea 0.30% methylparaben 0.11% propylparaben 0.03% butylparaben 0.02% isopropylparaben 0.02% isobutylparaben 0.02% Total 100.00% 

Example 5

The composition of a representative oil-in-water emulsion type face cream used for a method of the present invention is shown below. Ingredients % w/w water 75.20%  glycerin 4.00% steareth-100 0.60% steareth-2 0.35% xanthan gum 0.35% isopropyl palmitate 4.00% Isohexanodecane 1.00% isostearyl isostearate 1.20% octyl dodecanol 1.00% stearic acid 2.50% cetostearyl alcohol 2.50% petrolatum 4.00% glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) 0.10% phenoxyethanol 3.00% methylparaben 0.11% propylparaben 0.03% butylparaben 0.02% isopropylparaben 0.02% isobutylparaben 0.02% Total 100.00% 

Example 6

The composition of a representative high silicon content cream used for a method of the present invention is shown below. Ingredients % w/w water 44.25%  dimethicone 50.00%  behentriomnium methosulfate 4.00% cetearyl alcohol 2.00% glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) 0.20% methylparaben 0.30% ethylparaben 0.10% propylparaben 0.03% butylparaben 0.02% Total 100.00% 

Example 7

The utility of a composition used for a method of the present invention was demonstrated in an 8 week study involving 10 subjects. A cream containing glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) was tested for its effect on psoriasis. The cream was applied as a thin film to psoriasis plaques twice each day, once in the morning and once at night.

At the beginning of the study, and at weeks 4 and 8, the amount and extent of psoriasis were assessed by a clinician using the following rating scales. Subjects were evaluated for the extent of scaling and plaque elevation (induration). A total of 6 subjects were scheduled to complete the study. Ten subjects were enrolled at baseline, 8 completed the week 4 evaluation and 9 completed the week 8 evaluation.

The extent of psoriasis was evaluated using a rating scale as follows:

Scaling:

-   -   0=no evidence of scaling on lesions     -   1=mild, mainly fine scales; some of lesion at least partially         covered     -   2=moderate; somewhat coarser scales; most of lesion at least         partially covered     -   3=severe; coarse, thick scales; virtually all of lesion covered,         rough surface     -   4=very severe ; coarse, very thick scales, all of lesion         covered, very rough surface

The results of the evaluation of scaling is shown below for all the subjects enrolled. The plaques of nine of 10 subjects responded to treatment with a median reduction of one full ranking unit by week 8. Subject Psoriasis Scaling Score Number Baseline Week 4 Week 8 1 1 0 1 2 3 1 0.5 3 1.5 0.5 1 4 1.5 0 0.5 5 2 1 ND 6 2 ND 0.5 7 3 ND 0.5 8 1 0.5 0.5 9 1.5 1 0.5 10 1 0 0.5 Mean 1.75 0.50 0.61 SD 0.75 0.46 0.22 Median 1.50 0.50 0.50 ND = missed evaluation visit or dropped out of study

The effect of a representative composition used for the method of the present invention on the thickness of plaques (induration) was assessed using the following rating scale.

Plaque Elevation

-   -   0=no evidence of plaque above normal skin level     -   1=slight but definite elevation above normal skin level     -   2=moderate elevation with rounded or sloped edges to plaque     -   3=marked elevation, with hard sharp edges to plaque     -   4=very marked elevation with very hard sharp edges to plaque

The results of the evaluation of plaque elevation (induration) is shown below for all the subjects enrolled. The plaques of all of the subjects responded to treatment with a median reduction of one full ranking unit by week 8. Subject Psoriasis Induration Score Number Baseline Week 4 Week 8 1 1.5 1 1 2 2.5 1.5 1.5 3 1 0.5 0.5 4 2 1 0.5 5 2 1.5 ND 6 1.5 ND 0.5 7 3 ND 2 8 1 0.5 0.5 9 1 0.5 0.5 10 1 0.5 0.5 Mean 1.65 0.88 0.83 SD 0.71 0.44 0.56 Median 1.50 0.75 0.50 ND = missed evaluation visit or dropped out of study

Thus, the above examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the method the present invention in alleviating the signs and symptoms of psoriasis.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited except as by the appended claims. 

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex and an active drug substance selected from the group consisting of corticosteroids, coal tar, anthralin, calcipotriene, and tazarotene.
 27. A composition comprising at least one peptide copper complex and an active cosmetic substance selected from the group consisting of allantoin, tocopherol, tocopherol derivatives, niacinamide, phytosterols, isoflavones, panthenol, panthenol derivatives, bisabolol and farnesol. 